The ambassadors of the EU Member States have agreed on a proposal to improve the visa application procedure digitize. The proposal makes it possible to apply for a visa online and replaces the current visa sticker with a digital visa. The aim is to make the visa application process more efficient and Schengen area better secure.
A digital Schengen visa makes it easier for travelers to apply while making the Schengen area more secure. Travelers need to visit the consulate less often and the working method is also more flexible for national governments. In addition, the risk of forgery and theft of visa stickers disappears.
Apply for Schengen visa online
The new rules include the creation of a visa application platform. All Schengen visa applications will be submitted through this platform (one single website) which forwards them to the respective national visa systems. The platform allows visa applicants to enter all relevant data, upload electronic copies of their travel and supporting documents and travel medical insurance and visa fees pay. They are also informed of the decisions regarding their application. Going to the consulate is only necessary for “first applicants”, for persons whose biometric data are no longer valid, and for persons with a new travel document.
When someone different Schengen countries wants to visit, the platform automatically determines, based on the length of stay, which country should process the application. However, the applicant can also indicate whether the application should be handled by a specific Member State due to the purpose of the trip.
Visas are issued digitally, in the form of a 2D barcode and cryptographically signed. This eliminates the security risks associated with counterfeiting and theft visa stickers turned off.
Background and next steps
Recent migration and security challenges have dramatically changed the context of EU visa policy. There was also the corona pandemic, which caused significant delays in visa issuance while at the same time highlighting the need for more digital procedures.
New technologies improve security and make the process easier and more effective for both visa applicants and national governments.
On 27 April 2022, the Commission presented a proposal to digitize the visa application process. On the basis of the negotiating position agreed today, the Presidency of the Council will negotiate with the European Parliament on the final text.
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